Protecting the Homeland at the Local Level: An Assessment of Local Law Enforcement Antiterrorism Programs in North Carolina

Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, local law enforcement agencies have attempted to formulate their antiterrorism programs with the intention of accomplishing the objectives outlined in the National Strategy for Homeland Security. These agencies turn to their respective state and federal government for support and guidance. Therefore, this paper examines the history of the federal government s homeland security initiatives and the various resources local law enforcement agencies utilize in order to structure their programs. In addition, this paper reviews ten North Carolina local law enforcement agencies antiterrorism programs revealing their association with the National Strategy for Homeland Security while at the same time, measuring the amount of support provided to these programs by the higher levels of government.